ALLCONNEX TAKE FIVE FLOORS AT THE ROCKET

Written on the 10 February 2011

WATER reseller Allconnex has signed an eight-year lease across five levels in The Rocket at Robina totalling 3533 sq m.

The organisation has amalgamated its Nerang, Beenleigh and Redland administration offices into new premises and fit-out at the CBDRobina address. Spaces at The Rocket are leasing from $375 per square metre.

More than 260 staff will occupy the premises in a move that CEO Kim Wood (pictured), says will position the business as the key player in the management of South East Queensland’s water supply.

“It’s a quality building and it turned out to be the headline product for us at a good price,” says Wood.

Last month Gold Coast ratepayers and businesses received their first water bill from Allconnex, a separate bill from the Gold Coast City Council rates notice. The business is owned by the Gold Coast, Logan and Redland councils with the earnings invested back into the three councils. The company was formed in July 2010 under the State Government’s South East Queensland (SEQ) Water Reform.

“Three water businesses have been amalgamated and we are trying to get them a fair return,” says Wood.

“We are not the lowest price in the county but we are spread across various regions, our assets are in good shape and we are well structured for growth. The increase in pricing is up to the State Government. They regulate it and set the rules. This is a space that can go feral in a heartbeat.”

Wood, a former chief executive at Stanwell Corporation, says the move to Robina is part of a rebrand to stamp a corporate profile and to market the company as an independent body, without political interference.

“We are business that says what it does and does what it says. This is not a flimflam organisation; it’s a fair dinkum water business,” he says.

“We have undertaken an aggressive marketing strategy and the call centre has been running hot. Our intent is to be close to businesses and developers.

“There have been some tough times but 2011 is looking pretty good. There are lots of challenges, but fundamentally we’re in one of the fastest growing regions in the country and it’s one of the most exciting.”